Out of the Way Seafood Dining Spots

Over Labor Day weekend, I was able to visit one of my all time favorite seafood places, the Shrimp Shack on St. Helena Island (about 10 miles southeast of Beaufort, SC and an hour and a half away from Charleston). First of all, don’t go there like my friend Kevin did one time without cash! They do not take plastic/credit cards – cold green cash only, with the closest ATM probably 7-8 miles away.

Now don’t let that scare you away or even the table bottles of cocktail sauce (that is the bottle wrapped in duct tape), ketchup in the non-taped squeeze bottle and the standard Frank’s hot sauce bottle for the brave at heart! Also, don’t do like my wife did and ask for the broiled scallops or fish – everything here is fried, French fries, hush puppies and the seafood!

Here the dish de jour, for sure, is the fried shrimp – so fresh and lightly breaded, not greasy at all. Cooked just right, you will want to already be planning your return trip back, as there are plenty of places to visit within 10 miles in any direction. From the rich history of the Penn Center to historical Beaufort’s colonial homes and from the hidden gem of Hunting Island State Park with trails, a beautiful beach, nature center, kayaking/paddle boarding, and a great lighthouse you can walk 175 steps up to the top.

Sorry to get carried away with that shrimp talk and the treasures of the lowcountry. The Charleston area is blessed to have so many wonderful “out of the way seafood” dining spots within two hours of downtown. Here are a few of my favorites – comment and send us yours, which maybe we can check out and give a taste test!